Ron DeSantis and other officials. It was last year when the governor signed a proposal critics have labeled the Dont Say Gay policy, and Disney, a powerhouse in the Sunshine State, eventually criticized the anti-LGBTQ+ measure in an inconsequential press statement. In July, Disney lost a bid to dismiss the suit after a Florida judge rejected the companys arguments that it was made moot by a state law and that it shouldnt be allowed to move forward until the other case dealing with the legality of the agreement in federal court is resolved. Gov. Like virtually all companies in the entertainment and hospitality industries, the pandemic was a financial disaster for Disney. Florida Gov. Do Not Sell or Share My Personal Information. And thats what happened. Ron DeSantis and other officials . Florida Gov. Disney's share price was in the $90 range on Friday, so the value of the relative's holdings would be around $2,700. By subscribing, I agree to the Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. Its also maintained high standards. Subscribe for full access to The Hollywood Reporter. In case anyone needs a refresher, lets briefly revisit our earlier coverage and review how we arrived at this point. CNN Walt Disney Parks and Resorts on Wednesday filed a lawsuit against Florida Gov. In its lawsuit, Disney says, "This government action was patently retaliatory, patently anti-business, and patently unconstitutional." The president and his daughters previously presided over the grand dedication of the monorail at Disneyland in Anaheim.D23. Learn about careers at Cox Media Group. But DeSantis has frequently invoked his battle with Disney on the campaign trail as he seeks the 2024 Republican presidential nomination. In response, DeSantis shepherded a bill granting him the authority to appoint every member of the special tax districts five-member governing body. By clicking Sign up, you agree to receive marketing emails from Insider And these CDDs are quite similar in broad framework to Reedy Creek. The governors culture war skirmish has cost his home state dearly; its made him the target of intra-party criticisms; and while DeSantis thought his presidential bid would benefit if he made fights against woke institutions a centerpiece of his political identity, GOP voters have other priorities. He's also discussed using some of the land for additional development and even a new prison. No other company in Florida that I know has a local government board selected by the governor where the board and governor have threatened the company and set up a system where they have leverage to damage that company. DeSantis and the other defendants in the lawsuit have asked for the case to be dismissed. Disney filed the First Amendment lawsuit against the Florida governor and the DeSantis-appointed board in April, claiming violations of free speech and the contracts clause. Florida judge rules against Disney in feud with DeSantis Cloud, Orlando company accused of fraudulent $108 million MLM scheme, Publix: Services animals allowed; pets, including emotional support animals, not, BA.2.86: What you need to know about the 'highly-mutated strain' of a COVID-19 variant, Lucy Letby sentenced: Former neonatal nurse sentenced to life in prison for murdering 7 babies. Jewett: I think two things are often missed by critics of Reedy Creek. "I would just say, go back to what you did well. As we discussed soon after, some interpreted this as a concession of sorts, but a closer look suggested otherwise. This station is part of Cox Media Group Television. (AP Photo/John Raoux, File), FILE - Florida Gov. Gov. Ron DeSantis, a Republican presidential candidate, speaks with CNBC's Brian Sullivan on Aug. 14, 2023. Then its a matter of what the courts feel that they can do about it. All Rights Reserved. ET. DeSantis was referencing Walt Disney World's special tax district, which has become a key battleground in the governor's long-running feud with one of his state's top employers. UPDATED - March 30, 2023Royce Mathew -vs- the Walt Disney Company. DeSantis Has 'Moved on' From Disney Feud, Wants Iger to Drop Lawsuit Andersen Jones: Yes, Disney has a quite robust claim here. Best Debt Consolidation Loans for Bad Credit, Personal Loans for 580 Credit Score or Lower, Personal Loans for 670 Credit Score or Lower. For the first time, Disney is seeking damages in the state court case initiated by the governor's handpicked oversight board. All rights reserved. What can DeSantiss board members do in the meantime, though? Theyre going to lose that lawsuit. DeSantis, who on Monday was quick to remind Disneys board they had a friend in him when they needed it most, now needs to call in as many favors as he can. Schumer: [Fitzpatricks recusal] caused confusion because ordinary people really dont need to concern themselves with knowing about stuff like this. April 29, 20235:55 AM Ron DeSantis in March. Behind heavily in the polls, presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis has a message for Disney boss Bob Iger:You owe me. IndieWire is a part of Penske Media Corporation. Not political appointees in control of the district. Terms & Conditions. A Disney spokesperson said the decision "has no bearing" on the federal lawsuit seeking to "vindicate Disney's constitutional rights.". - The four lawyers listed on the Walt Disney Company's lawsuit against Florida Gov. It's the latest in a lawsuit in which the Florida board says Disney shouldn't have total power over its district. Elon Musk admitted X might failthen the social network accidentally removed swaths of historic content, including CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice, Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information. Watch A24s Stop Making Sense 4K Restoration Trailer: The Big Suit Rides Again! Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida. Florida Gov. "So what I would say is, drop the lawsuit," the governor said when asked what he would tell Iger if he were to give him a call today. Amazons Thursday Night Football Preps Targeted Ads for YoungerDemo, How to Pitch Stories and Articles to IndieWire. Disney sues Florida Gov Ron DeSantis - CNBC Disclosure: NBCUniversal is the parent company of Universal Studios and CNBC. A few days later, the companys latest legal filing made clear that Disney has a different approach in mind. Theres no way that the state can get around that part because of all the public statements DeSantis and legislators have made [including what Republican state representative Randy Fine said when he introduced the bill to dissolve the special district: This bill does target one company: it targets the Walt Disney Company] and the timing, and a million other things. "Your competitors all do very well here, Universal, SeaWorld. 2023 Fortune Media IP Limited. No other special district comes anywhere close to it. This doesnt even include the nearly $600 million in total added charges for severance-related layoffs. The feud between DeSantis and Disney started last year after the company, in the face of significant pressure, publicly opposed legislation concerning lessons on sexual orientation and gender identity in early grades that critics called Dont Say Gay.. Florida Gov. They were locked shut in California, he toldCNBCin commentsaired on Monday. ORLANDO, Fla. -- A federal judge overseeing the First Amendment lawsuit that Walt Disney Parks filed against Gov. Joe Raedle/Getty Images. READ: Disney's lawsuit against DeSantis and oversight board - CNN As the lawsuit between Disney and the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District continues to proceed, DeSantis has been on the presidential campaign trail. Disney's Lawsuit Against Gov. DeSantis Has Teeth: Law Experts Yet the governor has seen his stock plummet amid criticism he comes across as wooden, inauthentic, and unrelatable. Florida governor and 2024 presidential hopeful Ron DeSantis. This 51-year-old renter with stage-3 breast cancer thought shed go to her grave without owning a home. Disney is now Public Enemy No. The creation of the self-governing district by the Florida Legislature was instrumental in Disneys decision in the 1960s to build near Orlando. Disney filed its lawsuit in April against the governor in federal court, claiming DeSantis "weaponized" state government against the company for attacking the classroom gender discussion law. It moved for damages and an order forcing the district to comply with the terms of the development agreements. REUTERS/Octavio Jones Acquire Licensing Rights. Our Standards: The Thomson Reuters Trust Principles. [Walker struck down DeSantiss Stop Woke Act in November.]. Get this delivered to your inbox, and more info about our products and services. latest in the fight between Florida and Disne. Walker described the person as a third-degree relative, which typically means a cousin, a great-aunt or great-uncle, or a great-niece or great-nephew. I think it does matter somewhat who hears the case, although it shouldnt and might not since both liberal and conservative judges have frequently been supportive of free speech rights. A federal judge overseeing the First Amendment lawsuit that Walt Disney Parks filed against Gov. DeSantis, who is running for the Republican presidential nomination, has repeatedly attacked "woke Disney" in public remarks. I cover census, demographics, Florida and related topics. If those deals were voided, the district has said it would nearly wipe out Disney's federal case against DeSantis. Board chairman Martin Garcia told business owners their taxes would be going up, in part to pay for legal fees related to the the DeSantis' dispute with Disney. 2023 The Hollywood Reporter, LLC. See here for a complete list of exchanges and delays. Which is not the same as putting Disney on an equal footing with other companies and theme parks. Disneys filing also put forward 12 affirmative defenses against the board, including that it lacks standing for its claims. A spokesperson for the oversight district declined to comment. Disney alleged in the Friday filing that theFlorida board overseeing the transitionviolated its contract but added that since they have "no adequate legal remedy for the District's breach of the Contracts, as an award of damages would not fully compensate Disney for the losses caused by the District's breach of the Contracts.". Disney Not Letting DeSantis Walk Away From Their Feud Unscathed Disney said in the document that it "has fully complied with any and all of its obligations under the Contracts." Access unmatched financial data, news and content in a highly-customised workflow experience on desktop, web and mobile. The governor commandeered the longstanding special administrative zone (the Reedy Creek Improvement District) that allows Walt Disney World to self-govern by appointing his own board of directors to lead it; Disney countered with some Game of Thrones-style legal jujitsu to prevent that new board from changing anything. The case still ultimately falls under chief judge Mark Walker. Facing pressure from within his company, Disney's then-CEO Bob Chapek came out against the legislation, which limited classroom discussion of gender and sexual orientation and has been dubbed "Don't Say Gay" by critics. DeSantis was once the front-runner after the ex-presidents slate of candidates cost the GOP key races in the November midterm elections. Use of this site constitutes acceptance of our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy | CA Notice at Collection and Privacy Notice| Do Not Sell/Share My Personal Information| Ad Choices June 2, 2023, 9:13 AM. Cars line-up to enter Walt Disney World on February 08, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. Aug. 18, 2023 1:56 PM PT The Walt Disney Co. is seeking damages in its ongoing fight with the Ron DeSantis-controlled Central Florida district that encompasses Walt Disney World, even as the. stripped Disney of its self-governing authority, DeSantis wants to end Disney World's special status in Florida. The skirmish began last year after Disney criticized a Florida law banning classroom discussion of sexuality and gender identity with younger children. The futuristic city never materialized and instead morphed into a second theme park that opened in 1982. miles) of land it had purchased for the Florida Project. Instead of paying taxes to the state government, and the state building roads and infrastructure, Disney could distribute the tax money it acquired from itself for its developments. But perhaps most important is Disneys lawsuit, which challenges DeSantis willingness to use state government as a tool of political retaliation. But before the law took effect, Disney signed a deal with its outgoing board allowing it to retain development rights on the 40-square mile district. Ron DeSantis of . Yearlong dispute fueled by Disney lawsuit. The five most famous words ever said at Walt Disney World in Florida? Instead, DeSantis appointed his own board members to run Reedy Creek. In response, DeSantis and Florida lawmakers vowed to pass legislation that would repeal the agreements and end an exemption for Disney parks when it comes to ride inspections by the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services. DeSantis says he's 'basically moved on' from the Disney feud and now wants Bob Iger to drop the lawsuit against Florida that legal experts say the company could win. May 10, 2022 7:00pm. Ron DeSantis and others is disqualifying himself, but not because of bias claims made by the Florida governor. Schumer: I think they have a very good chance of winning the retaliation aspect of the suit. Florida Gov. Sign up for THR news straight to your inbox every day, Unique expertise on how the law impacts Hollywood pros, projects and processes. Deadline: White House with Nicolle Wallace, Floridas latest attack on African American history is part of broader assault on Black civil rights, Dem senator: Tuberville made a smoking gun confession on blockade, Why it matters that another former foreign leader has been indicted, GOP senators call for Trumps withdrawal comes with fine print. All Rights Reserved. DeSantis is currently overseas on an international trade mission. Ron DeSantis traveled to South Florida to sign, among other things, the bill that set into motion the dismantling of Disney's 55-year-old Reedy Creek Improvement District. Chief U.S. District Judge Mark Walker said in a court filing Thursday that it was because a relative owns 30 shares of Disney stock. And [it] created billions of dollars of economic activity both directly from their operations and many more billions indirectly for all the hotels, restaurants, and retails outlets who benefit from spending by people coming to visit Disney. Constitutional law experts: Disney could 'absolutely' sue Florida for The reason why they couldnt dissolve the district like they originally planned is that they had outstanding bonds [Disney had long ago paid to Florida] and the state government cant dissolve a district without paying those off. ", In response to the lawsuit, DeSantis' communications director Taryn Fenske said, "We are unaware of any legal right that a company has to operate its own government or maintain special privileges not held by other businesses in the state. Maybe you should let Universal Studios do this as well. Data is a real-time snapshot *Data is delayed at least 15 minutes. MIAMI The Walt Disney Company has filed a lawsuit against Florida Gov. DeSantis Set Up to Lose in a Disney Lawsuit, Former Trump - Newsweek Cars line-up to enter Walt Disney World on February 08, 2023 in Orlando, Florida. Indeed, this was the likely rationale behind his basically moved on rhetoric: The governor, fearing an important legal defeat at an inopportune time, effectively told Disney, Now that Ive finished hitting you, you should stop trying to hit me back.. In a new court filing, Disney asks for damages and alleges Florida violated its contracts. Andersen Jones: First Amendment doctrine makes clear that it is unconstitutional when government retaliates for speech or expressive positions. Yep, Richard Nixons infamously defensive November 17, 1973 press conference denying the Watergate scandal took place not at the White House but at the Happiest Place on Earth. Once seen as a major threat to Donald Trump in the GOP primary race, DeSantis has struggled to close his polling gap with the former president and shore up concerns from some top donors about the campaign. See here for a complete list of exchanges and delays. FORTUNE is a trademark of Fortune Media IP Limited, registered in the U.S. and other countries. Before the new board came in, the company signed agreements with the old board made up of Disney supporters that stripped the new supervisors of design and construction authority. Judge Walker has not been concerned, has not been hesitant, to issue scathing rulings against the DeSantis administration for free-speech violations. Steve Benen is a producer for "The Rachel Maddow Show," the editor of MaddowBlog and an MSNBC political contributor. Disneys requests came in a 55-page filing denying the district boards allegations in its state-level lawsuit against the entertainment giant. Schumer: No. S&P Index data is the property of Chicago Mercantile Exchange Inc. and its licensors. Schumer: Reedy Creeks taxing power is three times higher than cities and counties. Weve basically moved on. Walt Disney Parks and Resorts US Inc., a related entity of The Walt Disney Co. (NYSE:DIS), has filed a countersuit against the Central Florida Tourism Oversight District in state circuit court . The Disney lawsuit against the governor, the board and its five members asks a judge to void the governors takeover of the theme park resort district previously controlled by Disney for 55 years. On Friday, Gov. In its 77-page lawsuit in Florida federal court, Disney laid out its side of a story whose beats may be familiar by now . Jewett: Yes, Disney has a chance of winning. Actually, Disney made their codes really strict. Disney is Suing a Florida Company for Copyright Infringement "The District has a duty under the terms of the Contracts to do such further acts and assurances as shall be reasonably requested by Disney to carry out the intent of the Contracts and give effect thereto and the District has refused to perform its obligations under the Contracts and has instead breached the Contracts by, among other things, declaring them void ab initio," the filing reads. In April, the DeSantis board voted to nullify those contracts, prompting Disney to sue in federal court. Disney is doubling down on litigation involving Florida Gov. Several said they were concerned new regulations and taxes could raise their costs and make their businesses unprofitable. Donald Trump, who was indicted for trying to overturn the 2020 election, maintains a strong lead over DeSantis in the Republican primary. They broke down the winnability of Disneys lawsuit against the Florida governor, piece by piece, starting at the beginning. In a new court filing Friday, Disney said it wants damages over how the governor has handled rescinding Disney's right to operate as its entity under the Reedy Creek Improvement District. Turn on desktop notifications for breaking stories about interest? Florida Residents' Lawsuit Against DeSantis' Disney - Deadline
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